The Indianapolis Colts have named Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, opting for veteran experience over relying on first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Colts' strategy to stabilize their offense amid a challenging transition period. By choosing Jones, the team aims to balance immediate competitiveness with the development of young talent.

• Jones signed a one-year contract worth $14 million in March, bringing a wealth of experience from his six seasons with the New York Giants, where he started 69 games.

What’s new: The Colts faced a pivotal choice between the proven, albeit inconsistent, performance of Jones and the potential upside of Richardson, who showed promise during training camp and preseason.

• In the last two seasons, Jones recorded QBR marks of 36.3 in 2023 and 47.8 in 2024, indicating struggles in high-pressure situations. However, his familiarity with professional play could provide a steadying influence in the huddle.

Yes, but: While Jones's experience is invaluable, his recent performances raise questions about his ability to lead effectively.

• Critics may argue that his low QBRs suggest he might struggle under pressure, prompting concerns about the Colts' offensive efficiency moving forward.

What’s next: The Colts will need to focus on integrating Jones into their offensive scheme while also planning for Richardson's long-term development.

• The organization must decide on Richardson's fifth-year team option for the 2027 season, weighing his potential against the risk of further injury and inconsistency.

Between the lines: Shane Steichen, the Colts’ head coach, emphasized the importance of communication and consistency in his assessment of the quarterbacks.

• "It's everything. The operation, the communication in the huddle, the checks, getting guys on the same page," Steichen stated, highlighting what the Colts value in their quarterback play.

The bottom line: As the Colts embark on a new chapter with Jones at the helm, they must balance the urgency of winning now with the necessity of developing future stars like Richardson.

• This dual approach will be crucial in determining the Colts' success in what promises to be a competitive AFC South.

The Indianapolis Colts have named Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, opting for veteran experience over relying on first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Colts' strategy to stabilize their offense amid a challenging transition period. By choosing Jones, the team aims to balance immediate competitiveness with the development of young talent.

• Jones signed a one-year contract worth $14 million in March, bringing a wealth of experience from his six seasons with the New York Giants, where he started 69 games.

What’s new: The Colts faced a pivotal choice between the proven, albeit inconsistent, performance of Jones and the potential upside of Richardson, who showed promise during training camp and preseason.

• In the last two seasons, Jones recorded QBR marks of 36.3 in 2023 and 47.8 in 2024, indicating struggles in high-pressure situations. However, his familiarity with professional play could provide a steadying influence in the huddle.

Yes, but: While Jones's experience is invaluable, his recent performances raise questions about his ability to lead effectively.

• Critics may argue that his low QBRs suggest he might struggle under pressure, prompting concerns about the Colts' offensive efficiency moving forward.

What’s next: The Colts will need to focus on integrating Jones into their offensive scheme while also planning for Richardson's long-term development.

• The organization must decide on Richardson's fifth-year team option for the 2027 season, weighing his potential against the risk of further injury and inconsistency.

Between the lines: Shane Steichen, the Colts’ head coach, emphasized the importance of communication and consistency in his assessment of the quarterbacks.

• "It's everything. The operation, the communication in the huddle, the checks, getting guys on the same page," Steichen stated, highlighting what the Colts value in their quarterback play.

The bottom line: As the Colts embark on a new chapter with Jones at the helm, they must balance the urgency of winning now with the necessity of developing future stars like Richardson.

• This dual approach will be crucial in determining the Colts' success in what promises to be a competitive AFC South.